Many California elementary schools are getting a failing grade on student attendance.A report released Friday by California's Attorney General shows truancy is a chronic problem in the school system.Former Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta spoke about the issue, saying a successful America starts by going to school."In many ways my whole life has been the story of the American dream," Panetta said.The son of immigrants, who has gone on to lead his parents' adopted nation, said the key is education."They knew in the end I couldn't get a better life without a good education, so they pushed me, and pushed me hard,” Panetta said. “The result was, I really did learn and went to school. Frankly, I was afraid not to go to school because my parents would be tough on me if I didn't.”Friday night, Panetta helped his wife Sylvia, along with the Panetta Institute and the Monterey County Reads program to honor volunteers who have mentored students in reading at a dozen school districts across the county.In Monterey County, truancy rates rose 2 percent over last year to 18 percent, but are still below the state average. Rates are down in San Benito and Santa Cruz counties. "I think what we need to do is make clear to parents, teachers, and school officials, that we've got to do everything possible to get these kids into school, learn, read, because in the end, that’s the key to opportunity and the American dream."The Attorney General said California school districts lose $1.5 billion in state education money that is distributed based on student attendance.

MARINA, Calif. —

Many California elementary schools are getting a failing grade on student attendance.

A report released Friday by California's Attorney General shows truancy is a chronic problem in the school system.

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Former Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta spoke about the issue, saying a successful America starts by going to school.

"In many ways my whole life has been the story of the American dream," Panetta said.

The son of immigrants, who has gone on to lead his parents' adopted nation, said the key is education.

"They knew in the end I couldn't get a better life without a good education, so they pushed me, and pushed me hard,” Panetta said. “The result was, I really did learn and went to school. Frankly, I was afraid not to go to school because my parents would be tough on me if I didn't.”

Friday night, Panetta helped his wife Sylvia, along with the Panetta Institute and the Monterey County Reads program to honor volunteers who have mentored students in reading at a dozen school districts across the county.

In Monterey County, truancy rates rose 2 percent over last year to 18 percent, but are still below the state average. Rates are down in San Benito and Santa Cruz counties.

"I think what we need to do is make clear to parents, teachers, and school officials, that we've got to do everything possible to get these kids into school, learn, read, because in the end, that’s the key to opportunity and the American dream."

The Attorney General said California school districts lose $1.5 billion in state education money that is distributed based on student attendance.